So I have been researching DSLR'* recently. I was set on the Nikon D40, knowing its lens limitations. I have since read more and more D40 bashing and am hesitant to buy it. This got me looking at the D80 and I ran across this sale. This price seems extremely cheap, is this legit?
http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prod...6431&up=679296

If it sounds too good ......
http://www.resellerratings.com/store...rice_Cameras_6

Check buydig.com

http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/digi...rd=1/st=query/

No doubt it seems too good to be true. Considering I paid $1200+ for my D80 not quite a year ago. The prices have gone down some but not that much.

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/prod...sku=NKD8018135

I found quite a few other scammers as well as the one mentioned. Just when I thought I may be able to get the money I get knocked back down. $550 is doable, $900 not so much...

Be very careful on a cheap Nikon. My dad got a D80 in the fall for a good price from somewhere online. He ended up having to get it looked at after he dropped it recently and found out the camera is a "gray market" camera and no one will touch it. Apparently the cameras aren't fake, but are produced overseas and meant for overseas markets. US retailers buy them at a good discount and sell them here. But because they are gray market, the manufacturer won't warranty them and repair shops won't touch them either. Luckily the problem with my dads was that the lens wouldn't autofocus, so he just bought a new lens.

Check out dpreview for detailed reviews of DSLR cameras. I just purchased a Sony A200 for $649 with a 18-55 lens. Its a new product, so the price was introductory. The big 3 are Nikon, Canon and Sony.

Each has their distinct advantages. I chose my Sony thanks in part to price, influence and the fact that the technology is essentially Minolta.

The only thing that I don't like about my Sony, (well 2 things): no P&* feature and they just released the A300/A350 which has a fold out LCD screen.

i bought a d40x and i have to say i like it so far. It has the same megapixels as the d80 but with less features but most wouldnt miss them anyways. They only thing i dont like about the d40x is that it only has three focus points for auto focus and the d80 has 11. I usually just use manual mode and take all my pictures by adjusting the f stop and shutter speed also i adjust where i want it to focus. I think they have since discontinued the d40x and i think its now a d60 but im not sure. That might be something to like into.

I saw that place in the past....they have a reputation of selling "just the item" only for that price. Then when they get you to call and give a credit card #, they tell you you need the accessories (batteries, power cord, accy cables, users manual...you name it, they charge extra for it). If you refuse to buy the rest of the items they want to sell you, you'll go through months of fighting to get the charge reversed. there are many records on the internet like this. Buy from reputable sellers only.

As far as DSLR'*, I have the Olympus E10 and E20. (prolly should sell the E10 since I don't use it anymore)...can't afford the latest from them...but I like my Olympus equipment. Never any trouble and some real nice photos and features. Just my .02 on brands.

Wow, a lot of info here. If I were to choose the D80, how can I ensure I don't get a "gray market" camera? Also, what would be the suggested starter lense? 18-55? I have been reading on dpreview and photography forums but it seems that there is a lot of brand loyalty and it is hard to determine what info is good and what is garbage. Thanks for the help so far.